Field trip gives Cathedral Academy at Pompei students a taste of golf

Photo courtesy of Father Champlin's Guardian Angel SocietyJeff Clark, head pro at The Links at Sunset Ridge in Marcellus, helps put on a clinic at the course's driving range for students at the Cathedral Academy at Pompei on Monday.

Each year, Central New York golf courses host more than 100 charity golf tournaments, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes.

In some cases, however, those most helped by the events aren’t out on the course enjoying the fun.

A step to correct that oversight was made Monday when a couple dozen fifth and sixth graders from the Cathedral Academy at Pompei — one of the beneficiaries of the Father Champlin Guardian Angel Society Golf Tournament —— were given a tour of The Links at Sunset Ridge in Marcellus.

For many of the students, who hail from such far-away lands as Sudan, South Korea, Vietnam and Ethiopia, it was their first time at a golf course. And the energy they brought was inspiring.

“I wish I could just tap into all of that,” laughed head pro Jeff Clark, after he finally gave in to the pleas of the children to sprint a couple hundred yards back to the clubhouse from the middle of the 18th fairway.

Clark helped run a three-stage clinic at the driving range, putting green and on the course with his father, Sunset Ridge owner Mark Clark, and Onondaga Community College golfer William Hoynes. The driving range — particularly hitting balls with a driver — was the highlight for most.

“I liked how high and far I could hit it,” said smiling fifth-grader Shawn Jackson.

The tournament has become a solid success since it began seven years ago, said Bruce LaGrow, president of the tourney’s main sponsor, Money Federal Credit Union, and the person who arranged Monday’s field trip. Last year the event attracted its largest field — 132 players — during difficult economic times and raised $15,000 in tuition assistance for underprivileged children.

This year’s event, on Aug. 9, is on track to do the same, LaGrow said. Those interested in playing should contact Michelle Lester at 422-7218 or angel002@twcny.rr.com.